Yin Yoga and TCM: Winter season- main element, organs and emotions
(part 1)
Through the portals of silence, the healing sun of wisdom and peace will shine upon you.
― Paramahansa Yogananda
As the warm orange light and colours of autumn fade away, we are entering into the winter season, the one that marks the end and the beginning of our calendars. I have always considered winter a season of joy and light, despite the usual heaviness that this season carries. For me, it was always a time of the year when the family was coming together, gifts were shared in the sound of Christmas carols and there was pure joy in the crisp and cold air. There was light and warm in the hearts, despite the cold from outside. However, for many of us, winter can be a hard season to navigate because of the long, dark and cold nights, the short daylight time, the way things tend to go slower and inwards. But what if slow is the right thing to go for, during this time of the year? What if a few months of taking the time, of resting and recharging, is what our bodies and minds actually need?
This article will shed light on the energetics, elements and emotions associated with the winter season, from a Yogic point of view, as well as offering some seasonal self-care tips.
According to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), by knowing about nature’s cycles and patterns, we can better understand the direct connection and influence they have on our mental system and on our bodies, so we can make more holistically informed and intuitive choices that can help our physical wellbeing and mental health. Winter is associated with the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder meridians and with the Water element.
The kidney and bladder channels have a great influence over the immune system, that is why the illnesses we see often in winter are bladder and kidney infections, as well as immune system problems such as colds, or viral infections. When we are feeling overworked or not resting properly, there is an imbalance triggered in the kidney meridian as well as in the bladder meridian and this can manifest in physical ways, such as low back pain, frequent urination, weak joints, autoimmune diseases, adrenal fatigue, headaches, increasing fear and anxiety and so on. Slowing down, resting more, eating consistently, drinking lots of fluids and switching to more restorative habits will support these organ systems and boost their vitality.
During winter, it is recommended to increase the Kidney meridian Chi by moving more the body and strengthening our immunity system through foods and herbs that are nourishing during this season and help us prevent sickness. Overall, it is recommended to switch to warm and cooked food rather than raw or cold ones. In response to cold weather, the body constricts the tissues to prevent heat loss, which means more heat goes inside our core and our appetites can become stronger, therefore needing more nourishing and consistent meals. Most foods that are rich in calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron are recommended, among them a few examples: black beans, sweet potato, kale, fennel, turnip, beetroot, lentils, leeks, nuts, shellfish, whole grains, stews and soups, hummus, ginger (famous for its anti-inflammatory properties), garlic (one of the most energetically heating foods), medicinal plants, spices and herbs like cardamom, anise, peppermint, cloves, nutmeg, elder flower, mint, echinacea and many others. Moreover, adding essential oils in our drinks or whenever we have a bath, will help with the overall relaxation of our tissues as well as with hormonal balance. Examples of essential oils that are a wonderful complement to this season and help with the seasonal fatigue and depression are coconut, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lavender or sweet almond.
This season’s main natural element is water, an element that is stronger than it appears, because of all the shapes and forms it can take, manifesting through life in different manners. Think about the water we drink from a glass, the gentle flow of a small river, the stillness and depth of a mountain lake, in comparison to the wild waves of a stormy ocean. Water is present everywhere in countless ways, moving effortlessly. We ourselves are 60-70 % water, based on scientific research. Because winter is governed by the element of water, think about ways of flowing more through life, on a daily basis, for example enhancing creativity through DIY home projects, journaling, dancing or any somatic movement, but also learning to release more of our control and our inner critic. When we’re in a relaxed state of flow, we allow our minds to wander, and then more creative, imaginative and innovative ideas can come to us or solutions to our difficulties or fears.
Stagnation, laziness or a general heaviness in moving and thinking are downsides of this winter period. The death of nature around us as well as lack of stimulation and excitement, in comparison to the rest of the seasons, make one prone to feelings of loneliness, depression or isolation. However, it doesn’t have to be like this, if we can mindfully switch this perspective into allowing more space and dedication for more inner work, connecting to ourselves more and finding the necessary time to do the healing. Meditation, sound therapies, slower Yoga practices, staying hydrated, warm baths, or simply investing more time into meaningful and close relationships are just a couple of practices that can help us get more in the relaxation mood and let go of inner fears or anxiety. Last but not least, it is vital to get our intake of Vitamin D during these shorter periods of daylight, so think about having walks or staying in the sun during the day, at least for a couple of hours, to help boost the energy levels, our overall mood and improve sleep. Having enough sunlight helps us with our metabolism, our daily cycle, offering vital information for our bodies and cells to be able to function optimally.
Winter doesn’t have to be a period where we necessarily achieve less, however we need to find the right balance between doing and being, in order to avoid feelings of exhaustion, burnout or disconnection. This deeply nourishing Yin time gives us the needed energy, vision, and purpose to carry on later during the spring season, a period of renewal and rebirth.
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